I noticed the Dutch distributor of Naim is selling all their demo 500-series devices. Now why would they do that? They need demo equipment for dealers that haven’t invested in the 500-series. Only if a new 500 series is to be announced in the near future this would be a logical explanation. NAP500 DR, ND555 and NAC552 all for sale.
Or they are getting replacements?
I wondered exactly the same thing when I saw the ads
. And the prices are actually quite enticing!
I would imagine the reason is probably much more mundane; such as getting rid of their old green-light demo devices and updating them with fresh white-led ones.
The pics are with the white lights. Usually they don’t sell, unless something new is coming.
Another logical reason might be if Latham Audio B.V. anticipates ending distribution of Naim, as a result of the Barco acquisition.
Possible too ![]()
To generate a sale.
I have alerts on their account and they rarely sell anything. In the past they almost only sold models that were phased out.
Unusual business model, but hey.
They are the distributor, they leave consumer sales to their dealers.
Thats my guess as well.
It’s worth bearing in mind that distributors and dealers won’t want to hold onto any demo kit for too long - most will turn it over once every 1-2 years, that way it means they have up to date kit and it opens the opportunity for a decent secondhand sale.
Certainly true of Audio T.
As Richard has said, probably getting near 2 years old and do time to move if on as most dealers do. I don’t know of any dealer that would keep an item for years and years as it eventually be about worthless. Most sell once the secondhand price gets close to what they actually have to pay for it, that makes more sense to me and good business
Only time will tell… The responses are very similar to another thread I posted about the Uniti Star end of February.
Just saying ![]()
https://community.naimaudio.com/t/uniti-star-end-of-life/43688/26?u=hifi_naim_cnnl
That’s how I got my Nait XS3 from them ![]()
IIRC they offered their previous 552 & 500 demo kit no more than 2 years ago. That’s in congruence with Richards experience.
I don’t know how many 500 series bits Naim actually shift, but given the cost of developing new stuff and any likely, if any, improvement in SQ is there mileage in a new product ?
My local dealer is also selling off their ex-dem NAC552 and NAP500 DR both sets with green logo lights. Now where did I put my winning lottery ticket![]()
If a dealer sells their demo kit at what they paid for it, or a little more that makes some sense. But would they then not have to buy another demo unit at a higher cost?
Why not keep the demo unit for a longer period if say, a 552dr or nap500 has not been upgraded?